Mayor defends $37,000 training trip for deputy building commissioner; council weighs online alternatives

The board reviewed a request that the deputy commissioner for buildings attend the 2026 International Code Council (ICC) Annual Conference and Expo in Nashville to obtain master‑trainer certification on building and fire codes, flood mitigation, and legal aspects of code enforcement. Deputy Commissioner Mamaka said this is her first time requesting the trip and that the ICC conference training for upcoming code changes is not available online; she told the board she would attend multiple tracks to bring back knowledge for staff.

Council members acknowledged the building department's backlogs and training gaps, but stressed fiscal prudence amid an austerity budget and asked that knowledge be broadly transferred beyond a single person. Mayor Leah Patterson Howard said funds for the mayor's other planned travel would not be spent and emphasized the department's revenue contribution, noting that the training supports code unification and enforcement. The board approved the attendance authorization after discussion and roll call.